The Virginians - Memphis Blues (1922)

The Virginians play "Memphis Blues" on Victor 18895, recorded March 22, 1922.

Some Paul Whiteman employees had a hand in this recording.

Ferde Grofé is the arranger.

Banjo player is Mike Pingitore.

The Virginians consisted of studio musicians directed by clarinetist Ross Gorman.

This studio outfit is not to be confused with an orchestra led by Ace Brigode known on Okeh records as Ace Brigode and His Ten Virginians.

The studio group featured such artists as Henry Busse (cornet), Mike Pingitore (banjo), and Ferde Grofé (piano), all of whom were members of Paul Whiteman's orchestra.

The group first recorded for Victor on March 8, 1922, which produced "Lonesome Mama Blues" (18895).

The first Virginians disc featured two numbers actually recorded two weeks later on March 22, 1922: "My Honey's Lovin' Arms" and "Cuddle Up Blues" (18881). In announcing the disc's release, the June 1922 Victor supplement states, "First records by a new organization, directed by Ross Gorman and sponsored by Paul Whiteman. Both are specially adapted to the slow, easy and whimsical steps of the 'Blues.'"

Popular performances include "Why Should I Cry Over You?" (Victor 18933), recorded on July 18, 1922 and issued in October; "I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate" (Victor 18965), recorded on October 2, 1922 and issued in December; and "Apple Sauce" (19032), recorded on February 26, 1923 and issued in May.

The band sometimes accompanied singers, including Billy Murray, Aileen Stanley, Belle Baker, and Isabelle Patricola. Vernon Dalhart recorded at least two songs with the Virginians: "Stavin' Change" (Victor 19189) and "Bringin' Home the Bacon" (Victor 19334), the latter's vocal refrain being uncredited.

The last Virginians disc to feature Gorman, Busse, Pingitore, and others associated with Whiteman's band was made on July 9, 1924: "Superstitious Blues" and "Sioux City Sue" (Victor 19419). In 1927 and 1928, some Orthophonic records were credited to the Virginians, but this was Victor's house band under Nat Shilkret's direction.

Folks I've just been down, down to Memphis town,
That's where the people smile, smile on you all the while.
Hospitality, they were good to me.
I couldn't spend a dime, and had the grandest time.

I went out a dancing with a Tennessee dear,
They had a fellow there named Handy with a band you should hear
And while the folks gently swayed, all the band folks played Real harmony.
I never will forget the tune that Handy called the Memphis Blues.
Oh yes, them Blues.

They've got a fiddler there that always slickens his hair
And folks he sure do pull some bow.
And when the big Bassoon seconds to the Trombones croon.
It moans just like a sinner on Revival Day, on Revival Day.

Oh that melody sure appealed to me.
Just like a mountain stream rippling on it seemed.
Then it slowly died, with a gentle sigh
Soft as the breeze that whines high in the summer pines.